Social Skills

The Blog

Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

What Can Jazz Teach Us About Social Skills?

Jazz isn't just music, it's conversation. Discover how the structure of jazz mirrors the social skills we teach in PEERS®, and why those skills are learnable for every young person.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

When Your Autistic Teen Has an Intense Crush: What Parents Need to Know

If your autistic teen has developed an intense fixation on someone they like, you are not alone. And it is not something to panic about.

What you are observing is not a character flaw or a sign that something isn't going as it should. For many autistic young people, romantic feelings can be experienced more intensely and for longer than their peers. The desire for connection is real and it is meaningful. What is often missing are the practical skills to navigate those feelings in ways that feel comfortable for everyone involved.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

How to Help Your Autistic Teen Make Friends

"Put yourself out there."

"Friends will come when you least expect it."

If you're a parent of an autistic teenager, you've probably heard all this advice. And if you're like most parents I work with, you've also watched your teen try to follow it—and fail.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

Nourish to Flourish: Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Supporting social and emotional wellbeing goes far beyond physical health. For many children, teens, and young adults — particularly those who are autistic or neurodivergent — flourishing depends on feeling understood, regulated, and supported in everyday interactions.

This month’s theme, Nourish to Flourish, invites us to think about how we nourish minds, emotions, and resilience — especially during times of social stress, change, or uncertainty.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

Why Friendships Are Hard for Autistic Teens (and How to Help)

Friendships are a central part of teenage life, yet for autistic teens, forming and maintaining these relationships can often feel confusing, exhausting, or even impossible. Many parents, caregivers, and educators notice that while autistic teens often want friendships, they sometimes struggle to navigate the unwritten rules of social interaction. Understanding why friendships are challenging – and knowing how to provide support – can make a world of difference.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

New Year, Same You (No Pressure)

As a new year begins, there is often an unspoken expectation to change. New goals. New habits. A “new version” of yourself.

For many neurodivergent young people and adults, this pressure can feel overwhelming rather than motivating. The idea that you must suddenly become more confident, more social, or more outgoing can create anxiety before the year has even begun.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

“I Want to Date… But I Have No Idea Where to Start”

If you have autism, ADHD, social anxiety or you’ve just never had much dating experience, these questions can feel huge.
It’s not that you don’t want to date, you just don’t know the steps.

And that’s frustrating.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

Where Friendships Begin: Finding a Source of Friends

When we think about friendship, the first step is often the hardest: Where do I even find friends?

For many adolescents and young adults, especially those who are neurodiverse, making and keeping friends can feel overwhelming. But here’s the secret — every friendship starts with a source of friends.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

Why Every Young Person Should Learn Social Skills: One Parent’s Powerful Perspective on the PEERS® Program

Why Every Young Person Should Learn Social Skills: One Parent’s Powerful Perspective on the PEERS® Program

In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced, digital, and socially complex, one thing remains unchanged: the importance of connection. Whether it’s friendships, family relationships, or professional communication, social skills are the foundation of a thriving life.

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Christine O'Leary Christine O'Leary

What To Do When Someone Teases You: A Guide to Handling Teasing Effectively

What To Do When Someone Teases You: A Guide to Handling Teasing Effectively

Teasing can really hurt, right? Whether it’s at school, work, or online, being teased can make you feel upset, embarrassed, or powerless. You might have been told to just ignore it, walk away, or tell an adult. But here’s the truth: those strategies don’t always work—and sometimes, they can even make things worse.

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